[ 17 / THOTW-21 ]
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Encuentro con el fantasma de un hombre perdido
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Companions making camp in one of the ruins atop the hills of the East Gap might encounter Farmann one night. He appears out of nowhere, climbing the hillside on his silent horse, unheeded by any watchman or sentinel.
He appears to be a hoary old warrior, haggard-looking and wearing a weather-beaten cloak. Farmann hails any Northman or Dwarf warmly, bows respectfully in front of an Elf, but seems completely oblivious to the presence of any Hobbit.
Once introduced to the company, Farmann dismounts and quietly sits beside the fire, rubbing his hands close to the flame. Then, he gives his warning: maybe there’s a storm coming, or a stream to be crossed safely at a certain location, or a den of particularly nasty critters to avoid. Whatever the nature of the danger, the warning is true, and never fails to prove helpful.
When he is done, he mentions that he has a duty to perform before the dawn comes, but that he feels too tired to go just now. If he is invited to remain with the company until daybreak, he accepts gladly and soon falls asleep by the fire. For the length of the encounter Farmann seems just an old man, too old for this life of adventure. By daybreak, the old man and his horse disappear without a trace.
If a companion asks about Farmann’s duty, the old man says he has a wife and daughter living in the northern Dalelands, and that he should return to them — but again, he is too tired. If someone volunteers to accompany him home, he accepts, but whoever goes with him must face a wearisome task, as Farmann seems to fall asleep on his horse every other minute or so, and must obtain at least one success in a roll of Explore and Riddle to interpret the weak directions of the March-warden.
If Farmann is led successfully, the group eventually spots a small watchtower atop a hill, just before day breaks — the old rider appears suddenly animated by a sense of urgency, and thanks the companions while trotting away and leaving them behind.
When finally the sun rises, Farmann is gone, and the watchtower is revealed for what it is, a ring of crumbling stones, blackened by fire.
Companions with a Shadow score feel relieved, as if they just received good news from someone they care for — everyone may decrease their Shadow score by one point.
Mapa general